Amish Sweethearts (Neighbors of Lancaster County, #2) by Leslie Gould

Amish Sweethearts (Neighbors of Lancaster County, #2) Reviews

• 
  Laura

  AMISH SWEETHEARTS is the second book in Ms. Gould's Neighbor's of Lancaster County series. Fans will want to read the first book, Amish Promises, since this series does not stand alone.
  
  I wanted to like AMISH SWEETHEARTS better than I did. I looked forward to reading Zane's and Lila's story. Zane grew up to be a wonderful young man, kind, considerate, and serving the country, like his dad and his dad's best friend, Charlie. He did end up second guessing his decision, but I'm sure that is normal for most young people in the military, especially those who are deployed for ongoing war. Lila moved on (sorta) loving Zane but being courted by Reuben, and she wouldn't talk to Zane when he was home, but then sulked when he respected her boundaries.
  
  Zane and Lila were apart with no communication most of the book. It was a good read, Ms. Gould is a talented author, and I would call this women's fiction more than romance.
• 
  Gail Hollingsworth

  Zane Beck and Lila Lehman have been neighbors for years, practically growing up together. They have played together along with Lila's brothers and sisters, being best friends to each other. The big problem being grown now is Lila is Amish and Zane is English. They are realizing their feelings for each other have changed but won't admit it to each other. Lila's father is pushing her to court and marry the bishop's son. She is pushing Zane away, so much so that he joins the army. Then he is deployed to Afghanistan in a war zone. Is there any way for them to ever admit that they love each other, and even if they do, almost impossible to have a relationship when their worlds are so far apart?
  Leslie Gould has woven such a wonderful story together. From reading the first book in this series, Amish Promises, I grew to know the characters so well. And continued to learn more about them through this book. But you do not have to read the first novel to enjoy this one. There were moments of conflict, especially with Lila's dad, Tim, who almost always appears harsh with his kids as well as the Beck neighbors. I also think it's so sad that the girls are expected to run the Amish household like grown women because their mother is deceased. They practically don't get a childhood so it seems. And only getting an 8th grade education, the boys are expected to get a job or help with the farm work. This sometimes causes resentment or rebellion, as in the case of Simon, who in spite of being Amish, joins the army. There were some tense moments in the Afghanistan war zone while Zane was there as well. These were well researched by the author whose husband was in the service. Love and faith in what God's will for each life is emphasized and mentioned, especially when dilemmas are bringing confusion and uncertainty. Prayer, and always asking God for guidance is a good lesson for all of us. I will be looking for and anticipating another installment written about all these characters I've come to love and enjoy. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for my honest opinion, which I have given. I received no monetary compensation.
• 
  Jeanie

  You need more than feelings to fuel a good marriage. You need a love that is steadfast, faithful, and strong.
  
  If you have never read an Amish novel, I would encourage to pick up on this series of Lancaster County. As a Christian and a human being, these novels demonstrate commitment. Choosing the good thing to be committed to is a struggle but the rewards of living a life of commitment is eternal. Amish Sweethearts is a clash of three worlds. Neighbors Zane Beck and his English family and Lila Lehman and her Amish family. Lila and Zane grew up together being the best of friends. As they grew older and the attraction became more, Lila knew no good thing good come from continuing their friendship and more or less sent Zane to the Army to Afghanistan. Enter the clash of the third world. In his mission of helping the Afghanistan people, he longs for a way for him and Lila to be together. Lila has moved on with the courtship of Reuben the Bishop's son of her Amish community. Her heart however, has not moved on. Delaying marriage and thinking about Zane realizing that Zane is the one that feeds her soul. Both Lila and Zane both come to realize what true commitment is and that commitment starts with being honest with yourself.
  
  Some of the quotes I found inspiring and endearing.
  
  He also made her heart break in two. But he did make her feel, that was for certain.
  
  Decisions made with the brain and decisions made with the heart. Those heart ones are hard to control sometimes. I think God expects us to protect those who are vulnerable.
  
  He didn't deserve her, but he guessed that was what love was.
  
  The Amish girl is telling me to go back to find my peace?
  
  She was the biggest liar she knew. Please forgive me, she prayed. She needed the community of her church, but she needed Christ's salvation more.
  
  I absolutely loved this book. It speaks to the heart of what we all crave in commitment. It speaks to the heart of Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
  
  A Special Thank You to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
  
  
• 
  Nancee

  In the second book in the Neighbors of Lancaster County the stories of the Lehmans and the Becks continue as their children have matured. As children Zane and Lila played together and shared their dreams. All that changed when Lila's father arranged for her to court an Amish man from her community. Zane couldn't watch Lila with Reuben, and made an impulsive decision to join the Army rather than seeing his beautiful friend courted by another.
  
  Amish Sweethearts is a powerful story of relationships and grave disappointments. Overwhelming responsibilities play a major role in this touching story of two very different families and the beliefs that separate them. Danger has become a way of life for Zane as he is shipped to Afghanistan with no guarantees he'll return home. His faith is the only thing that keeps him going. Lila continues to court Reuben while questioning if she can truly love him. When past family secrets surface Lila must consider all options.
  
  Leslie Gould has created an extraordinary novel developing the lives of two very different cultures through their likenesses and differences. Although beliefs and customs separate the two cultures, humans still share the same needs and desires. Two stories woven into one very dramatic narrative create a strong human element that evokes a plethora of emotions throughout the novel. I highly recommend Amish Sweethearts. In my opinion this is Leslie Gould's most impressive novel to date!
  
  Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All expressions opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
• 
  Mary

  I do not read very many Amish books. This was a free read from Bethany Books for review, but I did enjoy the story. It was a Book Two, but stood alone well. I do wish I had read the beginning of the friendship between Zane, a Mennonite neighbor, of Lila Lehman. Seems they played together and met frequently at a special fort during their late child years and teen years. When they got towards adulthood, they didn't know for sure how to process their relationship, being from two different church backgrounds. One thing Lila knew for sure though was that she enjoyed being around Zane, his zeal for adventure, learning, and the ability to listen. She didn't finish high school, but Zane included her in this studies and they shared many subjects. Finally her father agrees for his daughter to be courted by a young Amish boy, Reuben, whom Lila also knew from church. She believed in commitment and thought that maybe she could learn to love him and that her time with Zane was over, and just a childhood crush. But she never felt entirely comfortable with him, very joyful or fulfilled. Her thoughts would always go back to Zane. Zane was so confusedf over his feelings and her courting, that although he had been a conscientious objector, he joined the Army to get away and think. It was a good thing and a bad thing, but eventually gave Lila time to see her mistake in not being honest to Reuben or Zane. The rest of the story is sweet...read it and see!
  
  This book was provided free by Bethany/Baker Books. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Reet Champion

  They gave up on each other sometime ago. Or so they had convinced themselves. When Zane Beck returns to sleepy Lancaster County he encounters his old, Amish sweetheart, Lila Lehman. And it's obvious nether one ever quite let go of the other. But they come from two different worlds and Zane has since joined the military. Anything that may at one time had been a possibility is now out of the question. And Lila's quiet and steady beau is getting impatient for her to say "yes" to his proposals. When Zane is sent to Afghanistan he tries to keep casual communication up with Lila. When disaster strikes, the two must decide what they intend to do with their futures.
  
  Once upon a time I had an interest in Amish stories. I flat out devoured those types of books. But I've gotten past that phase since then. When I saw an acquaintance reading something by this author, I thought, what the heck, give it ago. So here I am. While this wasn't a bad book, it wasn't a great book either. I couldn't quite get into the charters or bring myself to care about any of them. I'm sure that readers who enjoy Amish stories will love it, but for me - well, I can definitely say no more Amish stories for me.
  
  DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a copy of “Amish Sweethearts” provided by the publishers, Bethany House, in exchange for our honest review.
  
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• 
  Rita

  This is book #2 in Neighbors of Lancaster County. Another great read by Leslie Gould! Can't wait to read #3.
• 
  Cayla

  This is another good book written by Leslie Gould. The Amish people try to live simply, yet life can be complex at times for them. The love between Lila and Zane is truly special and complex in its own way. It started off as a typical childhood friendship and only grew stronger as the years went by.
  
  Zane joins the military--not something that the Amish approve of as this culture is generally known for being pacifists. I imagine that it would be hard to navigate the societal norms of Amish life when a person has a military background. But Zane learns a lot from his job assignment. The Aghan people are just as simple (or even more simple) than the Amish. They value family, community, and peace. He understands the importance of building relationships with the locals because they need to be valued as people.
  
  While Zane is away on a tour of duty, Lila must decide her own future. Should she comply with her family's wishes and marry the bishop's son or should she find someone else that she truly loves? Someone who understands her as much as Zane does? She's not your ordinary Amish girl--she loves poetry and current events. She's very open-minded to learning more about the world around her--because Zane loved to share his knowledge of things with her.
  
  The two have a beautiful friendship that makes me wish I had someone like that in my life. I don't think I would have made the same "rash" decisions that they made, but I do understand their reasons at the time. Emotions do run high and sometimes we make decisions without fully thinking things through.
  
  A good book to read.
• 
  Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM)

  Amish Sweethearts is the second book in the Neighbors of Lancaster County series. It focuses on the Beck and Lehman families. The Beck's are Englisch and the Lehman's are Amish. This book continues the story that began in Amish Promises. The setting is six years later and Zane and Lila are now young adults.
  
  They both have deep feelings for each other but find the barriers between their two worlds insurmountable. In an act of defiance and an easy way to move on Zane joins the Army and Lila becomes engaged to Reuban, a fellow Amishman.
  
  I was intrigued by the tension of beliefs versus circumstances. I thought that Leslie Gould did a marvelous job of giving insight into nonresistance. We got a good look at the complexity of beliefs and human nature. I highly recommend this series.
• 
  Stacy

  3.5 stars. Amish Sweethearts is the second book in the Neighbor of Lancaster County series. You do need to read this series in order as they are not stand alone novels really. The first book featured Shani and Joel and their elementary son Zane. I enjoyed the first book immensely and even though this second book was good, it felt more like a young adult book to me. That is because this second book follows the son Zane all grown up. He rushingly joins the military at 18 because he is trying to get as far away from the girl he loves, Lila, who is Amish and as a result they can’t be together. The story follows both Zane and Lila as they grow and mature. I enjoyed following Zane and watching him become a man but I didn’t relate to this book as much as I did to the first book.
• 
  Cindy Hill

  First time I have read a series of books. I like it. I like the continuation of family members. I like reading about the family members as they have grown into adults. Leslie Gould is an excellent story teller. She is easy to follow. She really knows how to get her reader into the minds of the character.
• 
  Arjaye Brewer

  A friendship that seemed unlikely to start with but has found it’s way through their differences, time and different colours worlds. These two sweethearts come from competely different worlds though their feelings hidden that never faded it’s an amazing story of a true friendship and a beautiful love story too. I’m looking my forward to reading the next book in this series!!!
• 
  Kathy Mizell

  A Love Worth Fighting For
  
  This is a very sweet story involving an English boy named Zane and an Amish girl named Lila, the Army, a fiance, and a love that should never be. Read it and enjoy every page.
• 
  Megan Griffin

  This book was even better then the first. I liked the mixture of fighting in the book. I still don't think it portrays an accurate representation of the Amish though. Other then that, the book was very good.
• 
  Diana C. Kobylak

  Touching story about an Amish girl and English boy who grow up as childhood friends. Their lives become complicated as they grow up, falling for one another but each choosing a different path. Lilah joins the Church and Zane joins the military.
• 
  Laura Huheey

  love it but ending doesn't say what Happened with Zane and lila
• 
  Myrtle

  Simply amazing. Leslie will keep you on the edge of your seats wondering how things turn out for 2 of the characters. This series is a definite must read. Highly recommend
• 
  Larisha

  Interesting people involved in this story, who certainly were patient.
  
  I would have given the book 5 stars because the story lagged on some. For the most part, very interesting read.
  
  
• 
  Sharon Rudolph

  I really enjoyed this book! The characters and storyline were wonderful. I am excited to read the final book in this series.
• 
  Joann

  Fabulous sequel to the first book! I highly recommend this !!
• 
  Dawn Teresa

  4.5 stars
• 
  Julie

  Once I remembered who all the characters were and their situations, then I really loved this book. It is much more than the usual Amish love story. Looking forward to the next installment.
• 
  Michele

  The second book in the trilogy. I don’t like pouty girls and the main character is this way some. But, the storyline and development of characters made it a good book.
• 
  Lori

  I enjoyed this book as well. I guess I say this about every book that I read.
  Zane is an impulsive character. By this I mean he's jumps into things without thinking things through. I think also sometimes he's very headstrong. He doesn't want to listen to no one. He's also quiet and doesn't say much. I'm like that as well. There's nothing wrong with being quiet. I don't like a lot of drama so I keep to myself whenever I can. People like to pick on the quiet ones.
  Now that he's grown things are not what they always seem!!
  I do like that he's always putting other's needs first before his own. I believe I would want Zane as my boyfriend lol!!
  Lila is just the opposite of Zane. I think she is a little too timid. Always afraid of what other people will think. Lila is also a hard worker. She is a people pleaser just like I try to be!! Lila has been this way all of her life. I think opposites do attract!!!
  Tim is Lila's father. When we meet him in the first book he is very strict on his family. In this book it seems as time goes on, he lightens up a bit. I don't know if age has anything to do with it but we shall see won't we?
  Simon is almost like Zane except that he was raised Amish. He is on his Rumspringa. (Running around time for the Amish youth). He is his father's favorite son. Simon does a foolish thing too in my opinion. It's bad enough to hurt his father. Simon does something that no other Amish man would think of doing. It's against their beliefs.
  Daniel is Lila's twin. He's the opposite of Simon. Daniel enjoys being Amish. He finds a nice young lady and they've been dating for a few years.
  Lila has joined the church. Some things are forbidden. Some of the things that Lila does is extraordinary!! I don't think she would have done them if it weren't for Zane.
  Beth is a new character. She's a lively soul who brings joy to the students especially Trudy Lila's sister. Trudy is trying to be a matchmaker!! Maybe it will work maybe not. We'll just have to see.
  Joel is Zane's step dad. He served in Iraq. When he is released and comes home he has a hard time with dealing in his time in Iraq. He takes it out on everyone until God and a good friend intervenes in his life. I think that this has to be my favorite scene in the first book
  . Shani is Zane's mom. She's the one that keeps her family together. Shani's a little flighty always on the go. She wears me out!!! But, I think without her, the family would fall apart. I do have to admire Shani. She a lot of determination!!! What I like most about is that she's a prayer warrior. Her faith is strong. It has to be!!!
  I have no idea what it's like over seas. This may be the reason that Zane does the foolish thing that he has done because his dad has had a great impact on him. In some ways, I wish that I had a dad like Zane.
  It seems like that you could learn some life lessons from Joel.
  Then there's Leona Lila's Mennonite grandmother. I think that Lila learned the hard way that no matter how old you that you can still get sick. I'm thinking that this is another of life's lessons. I know that it sure brought me down to earth!! I'm glad that Mammi made it through and that she had God's healing hand.
  I'm thinking that Lila and Zane are my favorite characters. They've been friends since childhood. It's great that this friendship will get them through the hard times.
  There are places in this book that made me cry though. There are some places where I wanted to punch someone's nose because of the way he bullied people around.
  Another lesson that this book teaches is it's never no good to run away just because things aren't going your way or that you no longer want to do it. To run away is to deceive who you truly are. I believe that God has had a hand in this. This was my favorite scene in the book
  God always has hand on things. They may not be what we want but in His own time!!
  This book was given to me by Leslie Gould in exchange for an honest review. Leslie I enjoyed this book a lot. You have given some life lessons along the way in this book. I definitely got something out of it!!! Thank you for writing another wonderful story about Zane and Lila!!!
• 
  Brenda

  I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I always enjoy reading about the AmIish, taken back in time to the simpler life, simpler but harder as living without the English use if electricity, phone's, etc. is a harder life. I've read books by the author Leslie Gould, and expected a lot from this book. I did not read book one of this series, although the book stood on it's own pretty well.
  Unfortunately I came down with pneumonia since reading the book and I have to do the review rather late, wish I had gotten it done right after finishing the book. I know why I didn't write that review immediately upon finishing the book. I felt really torn as I always like to make sure to give a positive review when I receive books for free, and especially when they are from an author I am sure I have read before and enjoyed.
  There was a drag in the story where things didn't come together for a story that flowed so well you felt the characters came off the page and you couldn't wait to see how their relationships were going to develop by the end of the book. I know I wasn't feeling well but I looked and there were some other people who were equally feeling something was slowing the story.
  Zane Beck and his Amish neighbor Lila Lehman were friends from the time they were children. No one had a problem with it even though he was English and she was Amish, they were children. After high school though they had feelings for each other, which they spent a lot of the time in the book avoiding each other and not telling the other about their feelings. I think that was the drag. Lila is being courted by the Bishop's son which is what her father wants, she really doesn't have feelings for him. When she turns her back on Zane he feels she does, that she will be married soon to someone else he takes himself out of the vicinity and joins the service, although he really doesn't have the stomach for fighting, and he is sent to Afghanistan. The Amish are very much against war, violence and for Lila to have a relationship with someone English who also served in the war, well it really is the entire second half of the book as she fights her feelings and he fights his and he also feels after he is injured but is told to return to service he doesn't want to go back because he really doesn't want anything to do with killing or injuring anyone. I did like the ending the book did come together and there seemed to be a lot of people who read the book and didn't seem to feel there was a slow start to it. I would say give the book a chance, you would probably enjoy this book especially if you read the first book. There were more than enjoyed the book and gave it five stars than those that felt there was something missing, and I was ill in between writing the review and reading the book.. I'm going to give it three stars which kills me because I know Leslie Gould the author is so highly regarded and the other books I have read of hers I truly enjoyed. So it may just be me. Give this one a chance.
  Description of book as written here: Can These Two Friends from Opposite Worlds Find Love?
  
  They've been best friends for years, but as high school ends, Zane Beck can't help but look at his Amish neighbor, Lila Lehman, with different eyes. Her controlling father sees only one future for Lila, though, and arranges for her to be courted by an upstanding young Amish man. When Zane sees the two together, his plans for the future crumble, and he impulsively enlists in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.
  
  However, the passing of years and the distance between them isn't enough to halt their now hidden feelings for each other. If being together used to be difficult, it's now impossible, especially with the Amish opposed to war. Zane's service takes a dramatic turn when he's sent to Afghanistan. Being on the front line and the reality of taking a life has him questioning whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences--both his and hers. With Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?
  
• 
  Tori

  This is not your typical Amish romance book. This one steps outside of the box a little bit, and to be honest I was quite surprised by it. This book gives a little of everything, and will take you on a roller-coaster of emotions. It really has just about everything.
  
  Lila is a young Amish girl who has lost her mother, lives with her father, and is the main caretaker of the family. Her sister Rose should be a help around the house but is more lazy than helpful. Lila takes care of the household, helps her father with chores when needed, and works outside of the home to help her family. She is courting an Amish man whom her father wants to see her married to. However, her heart belongs to her childhood Englisch friend who lives next door, Zane.
  Zane is a young Englisch gentleman. His heart also belongs to Lila, but they come from two very different worlds. Lila is not willing to leave the Amish. Zane joins the military to get away from his heartbreak of seeing Lila with another man, and is sent on a rather intriguing journey with his Civil Affairs Unit.
  Can the two find a way to make their love work? How could two people from such very different worlds possibly come together?
  
  I loved pretty much all the characters in this book even though I wanted so badly to reach through the pages and give them a good shake. Lila was by far my favorite character. She really had such a pure heart, and was willing to do whatever she could for anyone. However, she also had a stubborn side and wasn't focused on making herself happy.
  
  Zane is more stubborn than any of the characters in the book. He was tender hearted, but so frustrating I couldn't hardly take it. I just wished time and again he would pour his heart out to Lila instead of carry on.
  
  Rose was my least favorite character. She was incredibly lazy, seemed overly jealous of Lila, and just got on my last nerve. However, I can see where this could lead to a book just about her which I would love to read. There could also be a book about Lila's brother Simon which I would love to read as well.
  
  I was on the edge of my seat time and again while reading this book. There is just so much going on that you can't wait to find out what will happen next. The author does a fantastic job of leaving her readers wanting more. Everything was easy to imagine, and I appreciate that the story flowed so nicely without leaving me confused.
  
  This is book two in this series, but you honestly can't tell. I haven't read book one, and this book does a great job as a stand alone book. I do have to say, though, after reading book two I want to go back and read one just because I fell in love with the characters.
  
  It isn't often you find an Amish book where not only does the Amish girl fall in love with an Englisch boy, but there is suspense thrown in there with it. Zane joining the military definitely switched things up from your typical Amish romance book. I was left wanting to read more about Lila and Zane, but maybe in the future there will be more to their story. Until then I will just have to make do.
  
  I definitely recommend this book if you love Amish romance. More so if you like a little suspense thrown in. There are so many twists and turns to this book I don't see how anyone reading it could get bored at all.
  
  
  
  Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.